CLAREMONT heads into 2026 on the back of a third-consecutive WAFL Colts flag, still possessing a wealth of exciting prospects. Among them is stylish outside utility George Gale. The wingman/defender averaged 20.1 disposals and 5.3 marks per game in last year’s premiership side, utilising his sharp foot skills and composed decision making along the way.

We sat down for an interview with Gale at the recent West Australian preseason testing combine.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: George, how did you get started on your footy journey?

GG: I started down at Swanny Tigers Junior Football Club, playing Auskick there and going up through the age groups. Then also started at Scotch [College] as well, just playing in the Year 7, 8, and 9 teams through there. That’s sort of where I started, a good club and good school.

Q: Have you had any key mentors along the way?

GG: I’d say my dad is my main mentor. He’s someone who always pushes me, is always willing to go down for a kick, always willing to try and make me better. So yeah, he’s been my main mentor throughout my journey so far. ?

Q: You had some great experiences in development programs last year, how have they prepared you heading into this year?

GG: I was lucky enough to play at the MCG, which was really cool. But also going up against some of the other best kids in the country showed me where I can get to and where I need to get to, to compete with them. That’s something I’ve been working on all preseason, working on my weaknesses to try and put myself in the best possible [shape] going into this year and hopefully prepare myself for the National Championships games.

Q: How’s the preseason been so far?

GG: Pretty good. I’m working on my speed a lot, which has sort of been a weakness in my game. But I feel like I’m fit, fitter than I’ve ever been and getting stronger. So there’s no reason why I’m not improving and getting better. ?

Q: You touched on an improvement area there, but what are some of your strengths?

GG: I back myself to make the right decisions, find the ball, read the play. I think my footy IQ is one of my biggest strengths. And then obviously my area for improvement is my speed and athleticism, things that I can work at to get better at. Maybe I’m not as talented as some of the other blokes out there, but I think by using my smarts and footy IQ I can keep up to the standard. That’s my main weapon.

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?

GG: Yeah, but I don’t think I’m the biggest footy nuffy. I’m not sitting there all weekend watching every game, but I’m a big Freo fan so I watch all of their games, definitely.

Q: Is there a player you look up to and try to model your game on?

GG: Nat Fyfe was my hero. I always watched him, always followed exactly every move he did, every game… just the way he puts himself into the contest and doesn’t hold back, that’s something I really try and emulate. I think his marking ability, everything he was able to do was very impressive, so I try and model that. ?

Q: Where do you see yourself fitting in this year in terms of role and position?

GG: With WA and possibly Colts, I think I’m going to stay in the half-back and wing roles. But then going back to Scotch, I’ll play like the majority in the midfield. I want to keep trying to build my midfield craft, so if I ever get the opportunity I want to keep open to going inside. But I think for the moment I’m probably going to stay on the outside.

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Q: What are some of your goals for the season?

GG: Obviously to play for WA and play well this year. Last year I played two games but I didn’t really dominate and show my strengths. So this year just believing in myself and having a good couple of games there, and then obviously trying to play well with Scotch when I can. And then with Claremont, hopefully we can go deep in the finals again and maybe win another flag. Hopefully that sets me up well at the end of the year for the draft. ?

Q: Are there any teammates you think we should look out for to have a big year?

GG: I think Harper Banfield at Claremont. He’s been working really hard and he played really well last year as an under-ager for Claremont. He’s got some amazing strengths and is a great competitor so I think he’s definitely one to look out for.?

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